The crowds are starting to enter the arena and it's time to start today's pre-game coverage, provided by Freesports, because even when our national team does something spectacular and reach the final, the mainstream media don't give a shit.

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In fact, Dynasty is probably somewhat of an understatement for the Irish team, who have dominated the championship for the past 5 seasons, taking the gold medal every single time. Coincidentally, the last team to win the gold medal that isn't Ireland is in fact, Great Britain. But for now, let's take a look at their past 5 seasons and how they achieved gold.

S42 - Canada: 3-2

Two early goals from Rockefeller and Creller put Ireland on the front foot and after a goal from Atmey and Odijik for Canada, the lead ultimately proved to be gold medal winning.

S43 - Russia: 2-0

Perhaps one of Ireland's most dominant games ever. While the 2 goals from Spitfire and Augustus may seem quite a well balanced match, the stats tell another story. The Russians were held to just 6 shots compared to Ireland's 40 and ultimately it lead them to the victory and yet another gold.

S44 - Latvia: 5-4 OT

In what can only be described as Ireland's closest game of their winning streak, Latvia took the Irish to bonus hockey after both sides scored 4 a piece. Unfortunately a hooking penalty to Clijsters lead to a powerplay goal from Rielly, winning Ireland the gold 5 minutes into OT.

S45 - USA: 6-3

While an early goal from Cuddles set USA on to what looked like a promising game, Lavelle and Watson quickly shut that down. While the Americans attempted to build momentum, it would ultimately prove worthless and Ireland sailed out to a smooth win.

S46 - Great Britain: 4-1

A game that will be all too sharp in many of the British players today, they'll be looking to not have a repeat of last season. 4 unanswered goals from the Irish was eventually impossible to beat and Ireland were victorious for a 5th straight season

It's no secret that Great Britain is incredibly stacked on the blueline, and this year's tournament has definitely proved that. In fact, the entire 4th line are defencemen, as well as a key 2nd line winger. 

First let's look at that 4th line, made up of Guy Zheng, Tony Ford, and Perry Morgan. While the 3 of them haven't exactly been producing much for their homeland, they have been incredible at holding the fort. The entire line is a +0 over both the Round Robin and the Medal Round. While this might seem unimpressive, it's very eye-catching that a 4th line can avoid getting scored on so much. Zheng and Morgan are of course pair-mates over in the SHL on the New England Wolfpack, perhaps their pre-existing chemistry can explain their rather impressive performance?

Next up is Rex Kirkby, the defenceman-turned-2nd-line-winger we mentioned earlier. He was way at the top of Great Britain's scoring sheet in the Round Robin, posting up 7 goals and 8 assists for a total of 15 points over only 12 games. It's clear he is relishing his rare chance to play further up the ice and he is without a doubt taking full advantage of the opportunity. While he wasn't as hot for the Medal Round, he is still an integral piece of the 2nd line as a blueliner. 

Great Britain will certainly be relying on these out-of-position players to help them end Ireland's dynasty.